The Lions release safety Louis Delmas after five seasons in Detroit

The Lions got to work on their 2014 salary cap in a big way on Thursday.

The team released veteran receiver Nate Burleson (saving $5.5 million) and safety Louis Delmas ($6 million), saving the team a total of $11.5 million toward next year's cap. With the two moves, the Lions are now under the projected cap of $126 million by more than $5 million.

Delmas, 26, was due $5.5 million in base salary and a $500,000 roster bonus.

A 2009 second-round pick by the Lions has battled through knee issues the last three years. He missed five games in 2011, six in 2012, and, despite playing in all 16 games in 2013, missed a huge chunk of practices.

Delmas' play on the field seemed to be affected by the lack of practice time and his knee problems.

Delmas recorded 331 tackles, five sacks, six interceptions and four forced fumbles in five years with the Lions.